BLUES boss Gareth Ainsworth hopes money to strengthen his squad will become available after Billy Knott was recalled early from his loan this week.

Parent club Sunderland cut short the 21-year-old's stay at Adams Park on Monday after recalling him from a loan spell that had twice been extended by Wanderers.

And while Ainsworth admitted it was a blow to lose the midfielder from his squad, he hopes it will free up funds to strengthen the squad elsewhere.

He said: "I don't want people getting the judgement wrong and thinking we've got thousands freed up by Billy going, but we'll wait and see. I'm speaking to the board and the chairman about this. If we can, believe me we'll try to get people in.

"It does open the door and we'll see what we can do. I want to get names in to strengthen the squad, but it's all dictated by budgets.

"I've got names and lists of people I think will add to the squad and bring something to us."

Knott - who was due to remain with Blues until January 29, making him eligible for a further three appearances - scored twice in 23 games for Wanderers after originally arriving on loan at the club in August.

Ainsworth said: "Billy did really well for us. I think he's hoping a few other clubs open their eyes to him and if we play a part in progressing his career, that would be great.

"Losing Billy is a blow but midfield is an area where we're quite strong at the moment. We changed the team around a bit towards the end and he didn't feature as much."